FG Place Kwam 1 on No-Fly Ban, Warn Airlines of Penalties for Defiance

The incident happened on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

THE INCIDENT INVOLVING VALUEJET AND KWAM 1:

I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. I have also… pic.twitter.com/STma3UfKo8

— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) August 7, 2025

According to Keyamo, Kwam 1 disrupted ValueJet’s operations by standing on the tarmac and blocking the aircraft from taxiing.

“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour,” Keyamo said.

He dismissed claims about whether the singer was holding water or alcohol. “It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here, which is akin to a hostage situation.”

The minister also faulted the pilot for attempting to taxi without confirming the passenger had been removed.

“Both sides breached standard SAFETY PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO),” he said.

“No Airline Must Fly Him — Or Lose Licence”

Keyamo directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the pilot and captain pending full investigation.

But he didn’t stop there.

“IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE ALSO DIRECTED THE NCAA TO PLACE KWAM 1 on a NO-FLY list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot.”

He warned all airlines, both local and international, to obey the directive.

“Anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence,” he said.

Earlier, the NCAA announced a six-month blacklist for Kwam 1 over his conduct at the airport.